Bible Dictionary
Israel
Israel was the name God gave Jacob after his struggle at Peniel and became the common name for his descendants, the twelve tribes. It also designated the northern kingdom and, in some passages, God’s faithful people.
Definition
Israel is the name given to Jacob after his prayer-struggle at Peniel, signifying one who prevailed with God. It became the common name for Jacob’s descendants and for the people of the twelve tribes.
Biblical Usage
Scripture calls the people “Israelites,” “children of Israel,” and the “house of Israel.” The name may also emphasize the true or faithful Israel. After Saul’s death, the ten tribes used Israel as their national designation, while the two-tribe kingdom was called Judah; after the Exile, Israel again designated the whole nation.
Historical Background
The name originated in the history of Jacob and later served both as a national designation for the descendants of the twelve tribes and as the title of the northern kingdom.
Scripture References
Genesis 32:28
Joshua 3:17
Joshua 7:25
Judges 8:27
Jeremiah 3:21
Exodus 16:31
Exodus 40:38
Psalms 73:1
Isaiah 45:17
Isaiah 49:3
John 1:47
Romans 9:6
Romans 11:26
2 Samuel 2:9
2 Samuel 2:10
2 Samuel 2:17
2 Samuel 2:28
2 Samuel 3:10
2 Samuel 3:17
2 Samuel 19:40-43
Hosea 12:4
Exodus 3:16
1 Samuel 11:8
2 Samuel 20:1
1 Kings 12:16
Ezra 6:16
Ezra 9:1
Ezra 10:25
Nehemiah 11:3
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at Peniel (Gen. 32:28), because “as a prince he had power with God and prevailed.” (See JACOB.) This is the common name given to Jacob’s descendants. The whole people of the twelve tribes are called “Israelites,” the “children of Israel” (Josh. 3:17; 7:25; Judg. 8:27; Jer. 3:21), and the “house of Israel” (Ex. 16:31; 40:38). This name Israel is sometimes used emphatically for the true Israel (Ps. 73:1: Isa. 45:17; 49:3; John 1:47; Rom. 9:6; 11:26). After the death of Saul the ten tribes arrogated to themselves this name, as if they were the whole nation (2 Sam. 2:9, 10, 17, 28; 3:10, 17; 19:40-43), and the kings of the ten tribes were called “kings of Israel,” while the kings of the two tribes were called “kings of Judah.” After the Exile the name Israel was assumed as designating the entire nation.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(the prince that prevails with God).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>iz'-ra-el.</p><p>See JACOB.</p>